One Response to “AQHA Convention Committee Agendas”

I am pleased to see a new rule proposal regarding a Level 1 (Novice) Superior Award is on the Show Committee Agenda for 2016. I spent years, serving as a Volunteer at my local AQHA Affiliate, encouraging new members to attend and show at AQHA Shows. I was excited when the Rookie program was established as that was a great “stepping stone” class for Newcomers to experience their first AQHA Show. Once these Individuals pointed out of the Rookie Division, on to Level 1 (the Novice Division). More often than not, the New Novice found themselves competing against Seasoned Riders, who had years of experience showing in AQHA Shows. I became unexcited with the “Go Backs” being allowed to ride back into the Level 1 ( Novice) Division often with hundreds of points, Superiors in other classes, Top Tens and even being AQHA World Champions. I became unexcited when I tried to explain to these Newcomers that these accomplished Riders were simply “playing by the rules” that were established by their/our Association. I myself am eligible to ride back into the Rookie and Novice Division in every class, but two after pointing out of the Novice (Level 1 ) Division in 1998. This is one rule, that I will not follow, as I do not think it is right for experienced Members to show against those who are just riding into the AQHA Arena, many for the first time, who are hoping to hear their name called and/or earn their first point. I can relate to that, as I entered the AQHA Show Arena as a true Novice back in 1996.